Category Archives: Dogs

As the temperatures drop, as we are all bundling up and dig out our heavy coats don’t forget about your pet. If you’re cold they are too. Here are 6 Products to help keep your pets warm this winter.

A dog coat
This one may seem a little obvious but sometimes it is assumed that dogs have their own built-in coat. Depending on your dog’s breed and hair length they could need something more to keep them comfortable while taking those winter walks.

Dog Sweaters
If you pup needs a little extra warmth for indoors too we have a large selection of sweaters and pajamas that are fashionable and practical.

Dog Boots
Don’t forget your pups paws. Dog boots not only keep their paws warm but also help protect them from the ice and salt.

A Heated Pet Bed
Heated pet beds are available for dogs and cats of all sizes.Does your pet have a bed they love already? Turn virtually any bed into a heated bed with one of these bed warmers.

Heated Cat HouseA heated cat house is a welcome comfort for outdoor cats in the colder months.

Let’s face it, the majority of us spend our time on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I personally have the pleasure of using these platforms to help keep people in the loop of all the exciting events, sales, and pets that come to That Fish Place – That Pet Place. Throughout my day I can’t help by getting a little distracted by some of the awesome pets that everyone has. Some of these pets have even skyrocketed to social media fame. In honor of those pets, I would like to share with you my top five favorite pets from social media.

Hamilton the Hipster Cat grew a catstache before it was cool. This adorable little guy was a rescue that currently resides in San Francisco, California. With over 115,000 followers on Facebook and 340,000 on Instagram, Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with. I just can’t get enough of that cute little catstache.

I didn’t think it was humanly possible to squeal for five minutes straight without collapsing from exhaustion, but that is exactly what I did when I first saw Boo. One look at Boo, and you can see why he holds the title of “World’s Cutest Dog.” Boo is by far the cutest little ball of fluff that I have ever seen, and with over a million followers on Facebook and Instagram, I know I am not the only one who feels the way that I do.

Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Cat’s Facebook.

Grumpy Cat
You might be living under a rock if you have yet to experience the majesty of Grumpy Cat, aka Tardar Sauce (yes, that is her real name). Grumpy cat got her famous face likely due to feline dwarfism. She doesn’t let that stop her, and with over 8 million followers on Facebook, 1 million on Instagram, and 50, 000 on Twitter it definitely shows.

Marnie is what love at first sight means. Found on the streets in dire need of some TLC, a wonderful woman came and swept Marnie off of her feet and into all of the affection she could ever need. Though Marnie walks with her head tilted to the left (a result of Vestibular Syndrome), she is perfectly healthy and full of life! Marnie has even recently starred in some commercials for Fresh Pet. With over 300,000 followers on Facebook, over a million on Instagram, and 100,000 on Twitter, it’s very obvious that Marnie has melted the hearts of many, and is sure to be around for a long time to come.

Photo Courtesy of Lil Bub’s Facebook.

Lil Bub
Last, but certainly not least, my favorite furry kitty of social media fame is none other than Lil Bub. One look at her, and you just can’t help falling in love. Lil Bub was born with several genetic mutations, one of which causes her tongue to always stick out. What makes Lil Bub a lil extra special is that her owner, Mike Bridavsky and Bub partnered with ASPCA, to create the Lil Bub’s Big Fund. Money raised by merchandise, appearances, and other events are split up by the ASPCA and in turn donated to animal rescues all across the country. Lil Bub is living proof that special needs animals are equally awesome to any other pet. You can see more of Lil Bub on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Do you think you have the next big social media star? Feel free to share pictures of your stars on our Facebook page!

This November, dog lovers from across the country are excited for the annual National Dog Show. Dogs, and their owners, will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with hopes of winning their individual breeds, groups and the prized Best in Show award.

This year’s event spans the weekend of November 14th and 15th and will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. The National Dog Show itself is held on Saturday, and includes all competitions and the awarding of the Best in Show prize. On Sunday, all dogs are available for exhibition, along with fun competitions and activities. It is referred to as a “bench show” because all dogs, when not in competition, are displayed on assigned benches so visitors can meet and interact with the various breeds.

History

One of the top canine events in the world, The National Dog show is sanctioned by the prestigious American Kennel Club and hosted by AKC founding member The Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The Show has roots that date back as far as the late 1800s, when the forerunner of the KCP first started staging canine related events. Reorganized and renamed, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia ran their first dog show in 1912. It has been held annually ever since (with a short break during the Great Depression) and has arguably never been more popular.

The event itself is not just an opportunity to see many beautiful dog breeds in top form, it is also a fundraiser that helps many canine-related causes. Past beneficiaries include the University of Pennsylvania’s Veterinary School of Medicine.

Judging

Winning Best in Show is not easy. In order to be considered for the competition, each entrant must be considered an American Kennel Club champion. To earn this status, a dog must accumulate 15 points by defeating other dogs at an AKC sanctioned show. The most decorated dogs in the United States can get up to 50,000 points in a single year!

The Show’s competition begins with champion dogs from the more than 175 AKC registered breeds. Judges compare each dog to their mental image of the perfect dog as described by their breed’s official top standard. Best in Breed winners are then assigned to their related groups.

The Group stage is divided into seven categories: Terrier, Toy, Working, Sporting, Hound, Non-Sporting, Herding. Each group represents the characteristics and function for which their breed was initially bred.

Last year’s winner was from the Bloodhound breed.

The elite seven that are deemed Best in Group then move forward to the final stage. Judged to be the cream of the crop, the ultimate winner receives the coveted red, white & blue ribbon and is crowned Best in Show.

Reigning Champion

Over the last 14 years, various terrier breeds have had the most success in winning the top prize. Last year’s winner was a playful bloodhound named Nathan. He has become one of the top ranked canines in the country and is a testament to the honor that comes with winning the National Dog Show’s Best in Show award.

The 2015 National Dog Show will be held on Saturday November 14th and 15th. The competition will be aired on Thanksgiving Day at noon on NBC.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching we often take this time to look back and remind ourselves what we are most thankful for. My 7 year old hound mix, Chester has been on the top of my list for some time now. Sometimes I wonder what he is thankful for, so here is what I think his list would look like:

My Little Sister
When my parents brought home this little wiggly thing a year and a half ago I was less then amused. She started growing on me quickly and once they started giving her real food I was hooked! I am thankful to have someone to play with who sneaks me table scraps all the time.

King Sized Beds
I am thankful for my big warm king sized bed that my parent bought just for me!

Family
For the last 6 years I have been the only dog on my mom’s side of the family but this year I got two new K9 cousins! I don’t care to participate in their puppy antics but it’s nice to not be the only pup at family BBQs.

My Mom’s Job
Having a parent that works a pet store is every dogs dream right? Not only do I get the coolest and newest treats and toys but I can go with her to work!

Flea Control
I guess because it’s cold out these little bugs think they can make my coat their home. Luckily I am protected by some awesome topical flea & tick treatment.

My Tru Fit Smart Harness
This awesome harness has a nifty little seat belt loop to help keep me safe and secure in the car. Now my parents have no excuse for leaving me home.

Pet-Loving Family & Friends
For some reason my parents sometimes think they need a vacation. Even though I don’t usually get to go, I have so many awesome friends and family members who are more than happy to open their homes to me.

Thanks for reading! Does your pet have a thank-you list this holiday season? I’d love to hear about it.

In honor of National Veterinary Technician Week, we wanted to take the opportunity to get to know a local Veterinary Technician and answer a few questions that we all had. Erica graduated from Wilson College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology, and has been happily employed with Veterinary Medical Center of Lebanon, Inc. since November of 2003.

What is the difference between a vet and a vet tech? The difference between a vet and a vet tech is that a vet goes to school for longer than a vet tech and a vet can diagnose, prescribe medications, and perform surgery, which a vet tech cannot do.

What was schooling like? What can others expect if they want to become a vet tech? When I went to school I had to take a 4 year program to be able to take the boards to become a certified vet tech. Now there are a lot more programs available where you can go to school for a lot less time and still be able to take the test to become certified. I went to Wilson College, which did offer a lot of hands on learning. I would definitely recommend a program that offers a lot of hands on experiences because a book can only teach you so much.

Why did you want to become a vet tech? Besides that you love animals? I’ve always had an interest in medicine and was always drawn to animal medicine. At first I thought about being a veterinarian but then found that a vet tech seemed to be more hands on with the animals.

What is one piece of advice that you would like to offer others who may be looking to become a vet tech? I would recommend shadowing at a vet clinic to see what exactly vet tech’s do.

Tell me about any training you’ve had in a clinic? In the clinic that I work at I’ve been trained to work the front desk, assist the vet with exams, assist with anesthesia and monitoring during surgery, and perform doctor assigned treatments on hospitalized patients. Every clinic is different, so not all clinics may have their technicians do as much.

Tell me about the animals you cared for and rose in your life? Growing up, my family had dogs. We had a husky mix, then a german shepherd than a shepherd mix. Now I currently have 3 cats, 2 of which I rescued.

What if a client comes in to euthanize a perfectly healthy animal? This question is a hard one. We typically won’t euthanize a healthy animal. Of course there can be exceptions such as if an animal has gotten severely aggressive and all resolutions have been exhausted (medication, working with a behaviorist, possibly re-homing if the issue is just aggression with other pets, etc.) then euthanasia may become an option but we really don’t want it to come to that if at all possible.

Have you had any terrifying experiences with animals? Yes, in the past I have been bitten severely enough to need stitches.

Out of your vet tech experience, what do you enjoy the most? I think I enjoy the fact that every day is different. You never know what exactly you’re going to get each day so it never gets boring.

Tell us about a particular animal’s case that stuck with you? It’s hard to pick one, I would have to say it would have to be a C-section case where the dog had been in labor for hours and we weren’t sure if any of the puppies were still alive but we were able to save mom and all the pups. That was a really awesome feeling when all the pups were nursing off of mom and everyone was okay.

Thank you Erica for taking the time to answer all of our questions. If you would like to know more, feel free to reach out.

We rarely see natural disasters in the state of Pennsylvania, so when they hit it often sends people into a state of panic. Like troops, we assemble at the grocery store at the sheer mention of snow. During flooding we evacuate after moving our most valued positions to the second floor. The outcome is never certain, but one thing that is certain; in a state of panic our pets can be forgotten. How do we keep our pets safe and prepared during these stressful times? It is best to be prepared for these various situations, and it is a lot easier than most people may think.

Storm image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Gewitter

What to do First
Start by getting your pet microchipped. Microchipping is one of the easiest ways to identify your pet in case it should be separated from you. Collars with ID tags are great, but pets can get out of a collar. Microchipping can be done at veterinary offices, pet supply stores (when a clinic is held), and some local shelters. In the event that you have your pet microchipped, make sure that the information is current! If you move, change your name, change your phone number, or change ownership update the microchip. Some people may do this service at no charge or a small fee, but you can easily do it online at no cost to you. Most microchips do not cost very much ($15-$20), so it is a small price to pay in order to protect your pet. Learn more about the importance of microchipping here.
Be sure to keep vaccines current too. Pets may roam for a while before they are discovered by a passerby, or show up in a public location. During this time, your pet is at the mercy of the wilderness. Your pet could be exposed to wildlife, various food and water sources, and a wide range of viruses. Stress also creates a weakened immune system. While having your pets up to date on vaccinations is not a guarantee of their safety, it is extremely beneficial to their survival.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Emergencies can happen at any given time, so it’s best to be also prepared for these given situations. Come up with an evacuation plan, and have drills with your family and pets. In case of injury, or loss of shelter, purchase a ready-made first aid kit or make one on your own. Be sure to place the kit in an accessible area. If you would like to make your own kit, here is a list of materials that you will need.

Emergency Contacts List
• Pet’s regular vet contact info and address
• Emergency vet contact information, in case your vet is not available or close by
• Poison Control Phone Number

Some of these items may expire over time, so be sure to check your first aid kit often so that items can be replaced or replenished. While this kit serves as an emergency kit, it can also be used while traveling. Be sure to get your pet proper medical attention as soon as you are able to. Remember that our pets will feed off of our energy. If we are calm, our pet will be calm. In the event that your pet appears to be anxious, be sure to give them their space. Scolding your pet at this time will not benefit either party.

No one wants to be involved in a disaster of any kind, but they do happen. It is best to be prepared, remain calm, and ensure the safety of yourself and all of your loved ones.

August 26th is National Dog Day—a day to remember and recognize all that these wonderful creatures do for us without question. Dogs save lives, keep us healthy, guide our blind and disabled, protect our neighborhoods, and bring joy to our families. Dogs do so much good for the world, yet so many of them end up neglected, abandoned, and abused.

Here are 20 great ways to celebrate with your dogs:

Adopt a dog from a shelter or local rescue organization.

Buy your dog a fun new toy.

Teach your dog a new trick.

Take your dog on a hike.

Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your 4 legged friends.

Snap a few pictures of your dog and share them with friends online or enter them in a contest.

A lot of us are always looking for that little extra that we can do to make the world a better place. For animal lovers, the choice to volunteer at a local rescue may be easy. Some may need a little extra encouragement. Most animal rescues and organizations are non-profits. Since they are non-profits, these organizations relay strictly on those willing to volunteer their time.

Volunteer Duties

Those who are pet owners know that day to day care of our animals is of the upmost importance. Here are just a few of the duties that you may have as a volunteer:
• Feeding – Feeding animals per their feeding schedule, adhering to any special needs diets.
• Grooming – Bathing and brushing animals as needed.
• Walking – Walking animals daily per the rescues schedule.
• Cleaning – General upkeep of the facility, kennel areas, litter pans, procedure rooms, etc.
• One on one/playtime – Socializing with the animals, handling animals, exposing animals to various social situations.
• Administering medications – Redressing wounds, administering medications as prescribed.
• Office work/Social Media – Run social media pages and websites, data entry, filing, etc
• Fostering – Temporarily house an animal available for adoption in your own home.
• Fundraising/Event Coordinating – Plan events and fundraisers, community reach out

Donations and other Support

With the internet, it is not hard to find out about an event being held by a local animal rescue. They happen more than you think! Here is a list of ways you can donate and support a local rescue even if you do not have the time to volunteer:
• Event posting Sites – Rescues will utilize other free event posting sites, especially larger scale events.
• Facebook pages – Information regarding a rescues needs and ways to donate can be typically found under the “about” tab.

• Amazon Smile – Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. You can search for an organization of your choice, and as long as they participate in the program, your purchases will continue to help their organization.
• Donation Bins – Collection bins that are placed at related retail locations.
• Wish list/Gift Exchange – General list of day to day materials needed at the facility. Ask for donatable gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversary’s and give them to your local rescue.

Adoption Events at That Fish Place – That Pet Place

We at That Fish Place – That Pet Place work hard to do our part for homeless animals by regularly hosting meet and greets in conjunction with local animal welfare organizations. You can stay informed about our upcoming events by going to our Facebook page, our website, Google +, Eventful, and Susquehanna Life!

Local Animal Rescues & Shelters

There are a lot of local rescues that are in need of volunteers, donations, and fosters. They cannot succeed without your help. Here are just a handful of some of the local rescues that you can support.

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